Gadwall

Scientific name: Anas strepera

The Gadwall’s subtle plumage is beautiful when seen closely, but from a distance the “black butt” of the male contrasting with its brown body plumage make it easy to identify. Gadwalls migrate at night, and typically make several stopovers to feed during their spring migration.

The large, nutritious eggs of ducks such as the Gadwall are a tempting meal for many predators, and it is estimated that about two-thirds of nests fail due to predation. If an adult duck is grabbed by a fox, it pretends to be dead.

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